So just what is the ‘GMA’  and what does it have to do with Mercer Island? Find out at 5:30 p.m. April 20 at City Hall or by watching from home on television.

Many residents have questions about Washington State’s Growth Management Act (GMA). To attempt to provide answers on the GMA and its relationship to Mercer Island and its Comprehensive Plan, the Mercer Island City Council will be holding a study session before its regular meeting next Monday.

The GMA was enacted in 1990 in response to rapid population growth and concerns with suburban sprawl, environmental protection, quality of life and related issues. Every city and county in Washington is required to prepare a Comprehensive Plan that addresses five key areas: land use, housing, transportation, utilities and capital facilities. These comprehensive plans must be reviewed and updated every eight years in accordance with the GMA and other planning policies.

These plans explain how much growth is expected, and where it will be accommodated. Mercer Island’s Comp Plan update is set to be adopted by June 30.

At the study session, Joseph Tovar, a land use consultant, former City Planning Director and former member of the Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board, and Susan Drummond, a prominent land use attorney, will discuss the city’s GMA responsibilities and options.

All residents are invited to attend the presentation to learn more, or watch the session live online or on MI-TV Channel 21.

As part of the study session, the City Council is soliciting questions from the public that can considered by Tovar and Drummond as part of their presentation.

Go online and fill out a form to submit questions before the meeting.